Livelihood/ˈlaɪvlihʊd/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Economic Importance Emphasizes personal economic stability necessary for survival. After the factory closed, he struggled to find a new livelihood. Pro Tip 2/3Potential Loss Used in contexts concerning the risk of losing one's income. The new regulations could endanger the fishermen's livelihoods. Pro Tip 3/3Source Variation Refers to a variety of ways a person can earn money. She made her livelihood through writing and public speaking.